Mt Eden herd re-moo-val

Protecting Maungawhau's archaeological features: Cows grazing at Maungawhau is destroying this archaeology and requires urgent action.

From City Scene, published on 28 June, 2009.

Cows grazing at Maungawhau-Mt Eden will be permanently removed in order to protect the archaeological features of the area and its historical significance.

The decision comes after Auckland City Council consulted with a range of stakeholders, including Ngati Whatua and Friends of Maungawhau.

Cows have been grazing on the popular tourist spot since the 1960's, in order to keep the grass trimmed. Native vegetation will now be grown to better manage the area, as well as keep maintenance costs down.

"Maungawhau-Mt Eden is a site of special heritage significance, defined by its archaeological features. We were advised that the grazing is destroying this archaeology and requires urgent action," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

He adds, "Having the cows roaming almost free across the mountainside has affected the complex earthworks, terraces, ditches, pits and middens that serve as a living history of tangata whenua settlement in the area.

"We're hopeful that the removal of the cattle will help preserve these important features for generations to come."

Ngarimu Blair of Ngati Whatua says, "We fully support the removal of cows from sites such as Maungawhau. It is completely inappropriate to manage sites of such significance in this manner. We look forward to developing an ecologically sound management approach with the council."